A series of major winter storms that shut down highways, closed schools and prompted travel warnings across parts of Ontario is renewing scrutiny of how employers apply return-to-office policies during emergency situations. During a severe snowstorm earlier this month, an internal memo sent to Ontario public servants by the provincial Ministry of Transportation indicated they […]
An article on changes to Newfoundland and Labrador’s employee leave legislation was the most-read benefits story on BenefitsCanada.com this year. Here are the top 10 benefits stories of 2025: 1. What Newfoundland and Labrador-based employers need to know about changes to employee leave legislation 2. How national health-care legislation could impact benefits plan sponsors’ virtual […]
An article on an Ontario Superior Court decision on the use of enforceable termination clauses in employment contracts was the most-read human resources story on BenefitsCanada.com this year. Here are the top 10 HR stories of 2025: 1. Ontario court rules employer’s termination clause enforceable due to clear language, entitlements 2. Quebec employment legislation introducing […]
Despite growing awareness of reproductive health, two-thirds (67 per cent) of global employees who have experienced fertility challenges say their workplaces don’t offer support for employees undergoing fertility treatment, according to a new survey by Fertility Matters. The survey — which polled more than 3,600 employees in Australia, France, Japan, Poland and the U.K. — […]
The British Columbia government has proposed changes to the province’s Employment Standards Act to allow up to 27 weeks of unpaid leave each year for people facing a “catastrophic” illness or injury. Premier David Eby told a news conference in Victoria that the change would take effect this fall if the bill is passed by his New Democrat […]
An article on amendments to Quebec employment legislation was the most-read story on BenefitsCanada.com this past week. Here are the top five human resources, benefits, pension and investment stories of the last week: 1. Quebec employment legislation introducing unpaid leave for workers impacted by provincial health, disaster orders 2. HOOPP providing menopause-inclusive workplace through benefits, […]
Amid the increase in frequency and severity of wildfires in Canada, new employment legislation in Quebec could more effectively support employees working remotely in rural areas that are impacted by these natural disasters, says Sarah-Émilie Dubois, a senior associate in the employment and labour group at Dentons Canada LLP. The legislation, introduced this spring as […]
The Saskatchewan government has passed several amendments to the provincial Employment Act that will impact employers’ leave policies. The amendments include the creation of a new 16-week unpaid interpersonal violence leave in addition to the existing 10-day leave, of which five are paid and five are unpaid. Employers will also no longer be able to […]
Economic uncertainty, including the potential for new U.S. tariffs, is prompting businesses to review their workforce strategies and benefits policies to remain resilient. While employers have no control if or when their products may be subject to tariffs, there are steps that can be taken to be more prepared. Read: Financial markets resilient in wake […]
While Newfoundland and Labrador employees who take three or more consecutive days of sick leave are no longer required to provide their employer with a doctor’s note, it doesn’t mean employers can’t demand evidence of illness or injury, says Tim Young, a St. John’s-based partner at Curtis Dawe Lawyers. “All the legislation does is eliminate […]